I love volunteering as a way of helping others feel seen, heard and valued. It a powerful way for me to learn, connect with and be inspired by others. It’s also a means to give back, pay it forward, and contribute to those in need. I enjoy volunteering as a mentor to colleagues, students and friends. Helping them discover their talents, navigate challenging situations, and build their confidence. I appreciate work-initiated volunteering events, such as serving meals to the homeless or preparing goodie baskets for those less fortunate. Rewarding me with ways to listen, empathise and learn from those whose lives are different to mine. I also enjoy volunteering within my local community, supporting visitors, businesses and events. Forming deeper connections to something bigger than me. There is a sense of adventure meeting new people, learning new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. There is a sense of fulfillment knowing that I have been able to contribute, in some small way, to the life of another. And the impact on my own self-awareness and personal development is priceless. It gives me so much, yet I go into it without expectation. It’s a reciprocal exchange, yet not for monetary gain. It’s a way I choose to give more of myself, my time and my energy to others who need it. Volunteering can be a one-off event or last a longer period of time. If you’re curious about volunteering your time, I recommend you give it a go. Choose to be involved and see how it impacts your experience of the world. #volunteer #volunteering #LinkedInNewsAustralia
Should every professional have some experience as a volunteer during their career? Those who do offer their services on a volunteer basis — whether it’s in addition to a salaried job or perhaps time spent post-retirement — say it is extremely beneficial for their own personal wellbeing as well as their CV. Many companies, including NAB, Mastercard, Oracle and Telstra, also offer their staff paid leave to participate in volunteer activities as part of annual leave programs. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ecC7rbnG Helene Young, Maintenance Systems and Process Specialist at Origin Energy, recently participated in her company’s volunteering program to support FareShare's Meals for Mob program. In an article on LinkedIn, she says the benefits are numerous. “Giving back or volunteering always leaves you feeling better — about yourself and the world we live in,” she writes. “Corporate volunteering lets employees take a break from their regular work duties to do something meaningful outside the work environment. And by taking a break, it can help employees recharge and return to work more focused and energised.” As the world celebrates International Volunteer Day on December 5, LinkedIn members are sharing their experiences and organisations are celebrating the contributions of volunteers and saying ‘thank you’ to those who give up their time. We want to know what volunteering means to you. Have you devoted part of your working life to volunteering, or perhaps more so after retirement? If so, how did you choose the type of work and why? What do you think are the main benefits of volunteering, and can it help your career? Share your experiences with others in the comments below. ✏️ Cathy Anderson #volunteer #volunteering #InternationalVolunteerDay 📸 Getty Images Sources: Helene Young: https://lnkd.in/dQB--sms